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Nexans cables and accessories will interconnect the two main high voltage substations at the new PETROBRAS COMPERJ complex in the state of Rio de Janeiro

Paris, April 14, 2011 – Nexans, worldwide leading expert in the cable industry, has been awarded a multi-million Euros turnkey contract by Toshiba Sistemas de Trasmissão e Distribuição do Brazil Ltda to supply and install high voltage (HV) XLPE cables and accessories that will be used to interconnect the two main electrical substations at the new COMPERJ petrochemical complex currently under construction in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Petrobras is constructing the COMPERJ complex to help increase Brazil’s capacity to refine oil and reduce the number of petrochemical products it has to import. It is expected to come on line in 2013 and will be capable of processing 165,000 barrels of heavy crude oil per day.

The two main substations at COMPERJ are separated by a distance of around 3.25 km and the Nexans cables will provide a high voltage interconnection with two circuits. Nexans is supplying a complete turnkey solution including a total of 19.5 km of 345kV XLPE-insulated cableswith termination, premoulded joints, an earthing system and corresponding installation services.

Specific technological achievement

A key feature of the Nexans XLPE cable for COMPERJ is the smooth aluminium sheath (SAS) manufactured from aluminium laminate laser-welded longitudinally directly over the cable insulation. This design ensures a 100 percent water-tight cable that is also more robust and lighter compared to lead or copper wire sheathing.

A particular challenge for this project is that rather than being installed underground, cables will be carried by pipe racks mounted around 20 metres above the ground. In view of the long lengths of cable being supplied, this method of installation will call for Nexans’ specific expertise and specialized cable-pulling machinery to ensure that the cables are pulled into position with the careful handling essential to avoid excessive and potentially damaging stresses.

Installation of the cables is expected to be complete by 2012. The cables will be manufactured at Nexans plant based in Charleroi, Belgium and the accessories will be provided by the Nexans facility located in Cossonay, Switzerland.

“Our track record has been a key support to demonstrate our expertise in the delivery of end-to-end cable solutions – from initial design through manufacture, supply and installation to final commissioning. In light of the strong market penetration Nexans has now in South America, we will continue strengthening our HV positioning in this strategic area” - says Dirk Steinbrink, Nexans Executive Vice President High Voltage & underwater Cable Business Group.

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About Nexans

With energy as the basis of its development, Nexans, worldwide expert in the cable industry, offers an extensive range of cables and cabling systems. The Group is a global player in the infrastructure, industry, building and Local Area Network markets. Nexans addresses a series of market segments: from energy, transport and telecom networks to shipbuilding, oil and gas, nuclear power, automotives, electronics, aeronautics, material handling and automation.
Nexans is a responsible industrial company that regards sustainable development as integral to its global and operational strategy. Continuous innovation in products, solutions and services, employee development and engagement, and the introduction of safe industrial processes with limited environmental impact are among the key initiatives that place Nexans at the core of a sustainable future.
With an industrial presence in 40 countries and commercial activities worldwide, Nexans employs 23,700 people and had sales in 2010 of 6 billion euros. Nexans is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris, compartment A. For more information, please consult www.nexans.com